The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-05-05
LINC0LN'S GREAT QUALITIES.
An Eloquent and Tender Tribute from Man
Who Knew Him Well and Intimately.

CINCINNATI, May 4.-The Ohio commandery
of the Loyal Legion, held its election to-day
Gen. W. T. Sherman was the unanimous choice
for commander, Gen. r. 3. Hayes, who has
served in that capacity for four years,
having declined a reelection. Mai. E.
c. Dawes of Cincinnati, was chosen
senior vice-commander; Capt. Robert Hunter.
of Cincinnati, register; Maj. George Wander
grift of Cincinnati. register; Captain lIeComas,
of Cincinnati. treasurer: Capt. A. H. Mattox. of
Cincinnati recorder; Capt Geo. A. Thayer, of
Cincinnati chaplain. Gen. Orland Smith, Col.
S. A. Whitfield and Gen. Fred W. Moore, of
Cincinnati and Gen. Thomas J. Wood, of Day
ten. and DR. G. +. Gross, OF GigeinEa.i mem
bers of the council.
The annual dinner. to night, was presided over
by General r. B. Hayes. Among those who re-
sponded to toasts were Hon. James Speed, of
Louisville; Major-general J. NJ. Schofeld, I. S.
A; Captain William Henry White, of New
York; Colonel John Mason Brown. of louisville;
General John Beatty. OF Columbus, O., and Dr.
G. F. Cross. of Cincinnati. In the course of his
remarks, Mr.. Speed said:
LESS than two years after the death of Mr.
Lincoln 1 gave brief expression of my appreci-
alton of his character. Then it too
for general reception OF his great and good
qualities. then said: When passion shall have
subsided and calmness and quiet have appeared.
which he only permitted to see from his
Pisgah height, the large measure of his wisdom
will be acknowledged by all men, Since that time
twenty years have passed. Passion has gone quiet
has come. and all men now speak his praise.
believe, in all the annals of our race, Abraham
Lincoln is the finest example of an unknown ris-
ing from obscurity and ascending to the loftiest
heights of human grandeur. The conspicuous
causes which produced this grand result were in
born strength, integrity of character, patriotic
devotion and the nurturing influences of a free
country. Those near him felt continually the
mastery OF his wisdom. and there were times
when his influence inspiration to
all. / saw him in moments when
his courage to the majesty of grandest hero
ism and sent its strength leaping through the
veins of his countrymen, nerving them to
tain to the utmost limit the living ramparts of
the nation facing the doubtful battlefield. His
serene confidence restored the lapsng faith of
men, His never relaxing hope cheered them
to victory. Experience in hardships had given
him brave and hopeful disposition. His
marvelously balanced humanity weighed men
with unerring precision he knew the real from
the feigned Truth felt assurance in his pres
ence, and falsehood quaiIed. He had learned
how to overcome difficulties. how maintain
composure in peril. how to be firm in doing and
not doing, how to move neither too fast nor
slow. He had learned to think wisely He
said: We must see things as they are; to-day
is not yesterday; tomorrow will not be to-day
That which is right must be DONE He had
learned to express his thoughts in language of
unsurpassed energy, aptitude and beauty,
and his utterances, In moments of intensest
interest, thrilled all hearts at the
time, and will live coeval with the English
tongue. With all his lofty Qualities the gentle
of his nature never abated. His simplicity,
sincerity and integrity remained in all the purity
of youth when he known Honest
Abe" He had that charity for all
men he pleaded for others to show.
He quick TO imperfections. but
he was never exacting. He patient to try
and ready to excuse. He had no censure for the
general who failed, but the comfort that comes
when real commanders appeared. those only can
tell who read his relieved soul speaking his
countenance; nor did any feeling of hatred toward
those opposing him enter his soul. Although his
own election was made the occasion
for great revolt: although he
mirepresented, derided and insuted
although the duty cast upon him of send
ing forth the power of the country to the bloody
battlefield although upon him concen-
trated cursings and bitterness, he felt
he uttered revengeful word In his patience
and forgiveness he seemed to rise above the level
of humanity. The Nation i'm ibed his magma
nmity. The spectacle of vast collision.
with none brought to punishment, stands alone
In history"